Marjorie F. Goldstein, PhD¹, Sung-Yeon Kang, PhD², and Sherry Deren, PhD². (1) National Development and Research Institutes, Inc, 71 West 23 Street, 8 Floor, New York, NY 10010, 212-845-4469, goldstein@ndri.org, (2) National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010

Background: Low levels of use of HIV combination therapy have been reported among active drug users. Characteristics of street-recruited HIV positive drug users associated with using such therapy were investigated. Methods: 230 HIV positive active drug users (of heroin and/or cocaine) were street-recruited in East Harlem, New York City as part of an intervention study. After giving informed consent, subjects were administered a research interview. Data were collected on: demographics, HIV treatment, drug treatment, drug use history, having a non HIV-related health problem and health care including a trust in healthcare provider scale. Results: Demographics: sex ratio 66.5% male: 33.5% female; mean age: 44 years (range 24-61); ethnicity, African-American 54%, Latino 42%; currently in drug treatment, 54%, currently taking combination therapy 17%. The trust in healthcare provider scale (mean value=31.3; s.d.=5.7) was significantly related to taking combination therapy as was having a non-HIV medical problem. In a multiple logistic regression model these remained significant predictors (p=.012, AOR=1.1 and p=.027, AOR=2.6, respectively) of combination therapy use. The demographic variables examined (including age, sex, and ethnicity) and current drug treatment status were not related to taking combination therapy. Conclusions: For HIV positive drug users, trust in one's health care provider was associated with taking combination therapy. Given the often life saving nature of these treatments, health care providers should attend to, and more research should be focused on, improving such relationships.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will

• Know some of the reasons why HIV positive active drug users do not take HIV combination therapy.
• Be able to describe street-recruitment methods for HIV positive drug users.
• Be able to list some elements of the concept of trust in health care provider.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Providers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.